Rodent infestation, the lingering smell of urine, overgrown weeds and scattered litter are now a thing of the past at the Germiston main, Springs and Kempton Park taxi ranks and railway stations.
Last Friday, the metro’s Clean Neighbourhood Friday campaign took over the public transport hubs to rid them of dirt.
Members of the mayoral committee, as well as senior managers, officials, members of the business community and the members of taxi associations joined hands to begin a culture of maintaining a clean environment that is conducive for business.
The main cause for concern at all of the facilities was the rodent infestation which poses a health risk to all users of the facilities.
Owners of informal businesses complained of rats eating and urinating on their stock while commuters fear that their health is at risk when they inhale air polluted by the smell of urine.
To address these concerns, officials responsible for environmental health came prepared to fumigate the areas and applied pest control substances, leaving the facilities purified and smelling fresh and hygienic.
Adolph Singa, chairman of the Bonaero Park sub-rank in Kempton Park could not contain his excitement and gratitude upon seeing Ekurhuleni’s top officials rolling up their sleeves and joining citizens to clean.
He said, “This has never happened in our lifetime where we see senior government officials coming to clean our taxi ranks with us.
“To us the hygiene of our commuters is a priority, hence we have hired cleaning services to come and clean over night when the rank is quiet.
“However, this gesture by the municipality encourages us to keep our facility even cleaner because now we know that even the government takes our business seriously.”
Ekurhuleni’s Clean Neighbourhood Friday is an ongoing campaign and takes place every last Friday of the month.
Members of the community are requested to play their part in keeping the metro clean.
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